The San Bernardino graphic artist is responsible for the “SB Strong” stenciled across a black arrowhead, which spawned a movement of support following the Dec. 2 shootings last year. The image, he said, came to him the same day as the attack as he was processing the events that night like so many other residents.

Within days, the logo was showing up on T-shirts and signs. The shirts were sold as a fundraiser to support the families affected by the shootings. Garcia-Ruiz said $46,000 was raised before the money was distributed and the fundraising ran its course.

“I’m just glad that a creation I did was able to help out the families,” said Garcia-Ruiz, 27.

It’s also brought him recognition.

“It’s opened many doors for me,” he said. “I got to meet the mayor of San Bernardino, twice. I feel extremely grateful.”

And he feels conflicted.

“It’s unfortunate that one of my most recognized works came out of a tragedy,” he said. “I’m happy people were able to resonate with it. It broke barriers down.”

But he doesn’t like showing off the image. His own T-shirt with the logo, he said, rarely gets worn outside of his home.

“I don’t wear it much out in public,” he said. “I don’t want to be insensitive if I run into a family member and it brings back memories.”

Garcia-Ruiz works for Dean Houston, a national advertising agency. Recently, he said, his logo was nominated for the company’s Professional of the Year award.

“It validated my work more,” he said of the logo’s popularity. “Now I get questioned less on my work.”

He enjoys that advantage, he said, but he’s happier about what grew out of a simple, but powerful, idea. The image, he said, spoke to people.

“They felt the same grief I felt,” he said. “I’m just glad it brought people together.”

Mark Muckenfuss has been a reporter since 1981. He worked at various publications including the San Bernardino Sun before coming to the Press Enterprise in 1999. He covers higher education, military affairs and, when the ground shakes, earthquakes.